Signal for automobiles



J. B. WHITE SIGNAL FOR AUTQMOBILES Filed June 6, 1921 Patented Dec. 29, 1925.

UNITED STATES JAMES B. WHITE, OEFORT WAYNE, INDIANA.

SIGNAL FOR AUTOMOBILES.

Application filed Julie 6,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES B. lV-Hrrn, a citizen of the United States of America, and resident of Fort Wayne, in the county of Allen and State of Indiana, have invent ed certain new and useful Improvements in Signals for Automobiles, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in signals for automobiles adapted to indicate the course of travel intended by the driver, and the objects of the invention are: First, to provide a device of its class that may be easily and simply manipulated by controlling means within convenient reach of the driver while seated; and second, to so construct the signal device that it may be positioned upon the automobile in such manner as to be visible from both the front and rear and the significance of its operation readily ascertained from both view points.

Also another object is the provision of means for the illumination of the various signals automatically operated by the signals as they are shifted to exposed positions.

The objects of the invention are accomplished by the construction illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which Fig. l is an elevation of the device in supported relation with the wind shield frame of an automobile and viewed from the rear, there being parts shown broken away;

31g. 2 is a side elevation of the device; an

Fig. 3 is a detail view showing a partial cross section of Fig. 1 on the line mthereof.

Similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views and referring now to the same The invention is comprised of a case 1 mounted upon a bracket 2 that is rigidly fixed on the wind shield frame 3 of the automobile. Within the case are arranged a series of signal plates 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, each of which has fixed to its inner end a corresponding bar 4, 5, etc. and each plate has also at its upper rear corner an upwardly projecting offset 10. The plates are arranged within the case in parallel vertical planes and are longitudinally movable therein so that each plate may be projected outwardly so as to extend from the side of the case by manipulating the correspond- 1921; Serial No. 475,213.

ing bar that projects from the opposite side of the case.

Upon the top of the case at the out-er side thereof 18 a hood 11 containing a bracket 12- that supports an electric lamp 123 within the hood.

At the lower end of the bracket 12 is pivotally supported a switch blade Lt adapted to form electrical contact with a pair of switch springs 15 that are supported in connection with the bracket 12. The switch 'blade has a broad foot blade 16 that ex- 1 tends pendentlyinto the upper part of the case 1 when the switch blade is in open position, and is adapted to be engaged by the 70.

ofiset 10 on any one of the several signal plates, and to be actuated thereby so that the switch blade will be moved into contact with the springs 15 when the signal plate is moved to its outermost position. A coil 5 spring 17 is arranged in connection with the switch blade and acts to hold it in open or disconnected position. The lamp 13 has electrical connection with a suitablesource of energy through conductors 18 and 19 controlled through the switch blade and contact springs.

The hood is so shaped and positioned that the light from the lamp 13 will be reflected upon and illuminate both sides of the signal plates when they are shifted to exposed position.

Each signal plate has printed or otherwise placed upon its opposite sides a significant word or character, such as, Stop,

desired signal and shift it into exposed position by manipulating the corresponding bar. I

Upon the rear face of the case is secured a mirror 20 which enables the driver to observe traflic approaching from the rear and 9 thereby determine if signals are required.

In the use of the invention the signal plates remain sheltered in the case while the automobile is in motion and pursuing a straight course ahead. When the driver anticipates turning to the right or left, he accordingly moves the bar 7 or 8 into the case which causes the signal plate bearing the word Right or Left as the case may be to be exposed to the view of observers apno proaching from ahead or from the rear, thus giving the observers warning as to his intended course. \Vhen the driver contemplates slackening the speed of his travel, stopping, backing or starting, by manipulating the bar 6, 4, 5 or 9, according to his intentions the proper signal plate becomes exposed and warning is thus given of his intentions.

In using the signal during the day time, the signal plates being visible when exposed, the connection of the conductors 18--19 are disconnected with the source of energy in the manner in which electric lamps are usually controlled. At night, however, the conductors are connected so that the lamp will be lighted when the switch-blade 14 is turned into closed position. The lamp will therefore become lighted when any one of the several signal plates is completely extended, as its offset 10 then engages the foot 16 which holds the switch blade in closed position. The light thus provided is refiected by the hood onto the exposed signal plate so that its significance may be observed.

What I claim is In a signaling apparatus including a series of sliding signal plates, each of which is provided with an offset and means for manipulating the plate; an electric illuminating member for said plates when in extended position; a pair of switch springs spaced apart and included in the electrical circuit for the illuminating member; and a pivotally supported switch blade engageable between said springs and having a pendant foot blade operable selectively by the offset on each signal plate when the latter is in extended position so as to close the electric circuit of the illuminating member.

In testimony whereof I atfix my signa- JAMES B. WHITE.

.ture, 

